Lane Machine Tip

Your recovery tank could be hurting your vacuum motor.

Recovery tank maintenance is an item commonly overlooked by the staff that uses the lane machine. If the recovery tank restricts airflow it can hinder the machines ability to clean. But more importantly it could be causing serious damage to the lane machine. The following text will allow you to maintain the recovery tank and relieve undo wear and tear on your machine.

First we will cover the "hand welded" tanks and the early "molded" tanks. These are the enclosed style tanks with out an internal filter. The hand welded tanks are white with one side being translucent. The molded tanks are entirely translucent. It is not uncommon for there to be black and grey build up around the baffles, on the inside of the tank. This build up creates a "trail" for the cleaner, water, and dirt to follow. Unfortunately, this trail leads straight to the vacuum motor. Once these contaminates get into the vacuum motor they will begin to shorten the life of the motor and the components that supply power to the motor. Here's an easy way to get the dirt trail out of the hand welded recovery tanks. This procedure should be repeated for each side or the recovery tank and until the tank is free of build up.

Remove the recovery tank from the machine.
Using "Liquid Draino" mixed at 4 to 1 with hot water
Pour mixture into the recovery tank
Agitate mixture for a few minutes
Let sit for an hour
Agitate mixture once again
Let sit for another hour
Pour mixture out of the recovery tank
Flush with hot water.

Now for the "molded" recovery tanks with the internal filter. These require a little more maintenance than the enclosed tanks but they do have their advantages. The filter traps loose particles that the vacuum assembly picks up. This filter needs to be inspected on a regular basis, weekly if not daily. Once this filter becomes clogged it makes the vacuum motor work harder due to the restricted air flow, which in turn can damage, not only the vacuum motor itself but the components that supply power to the motor. On the battery operated machines this can also lead to premature replacement of the batteries, fuse link, and vacuum breaker. Maintenance of this style recovery tank is often overlooked or seen as a "pain". But 10 minutes can ensure many years or smooth operation of the vacuum components.

Remove recovery tank from machine
Remove the 4 phillips screws securing the filter "lid"
Using a putty knife break the silicone seal and remove lid.
Clean lid and bars with Isopropyl Alcohol.
Carefully remove all silicone from the tank
Remove filter
Clean filter under warm water and inspect for thin or weak spots.
Replace filter if needed.
Install filter inside tank.
Run 2 beads of silicone around the flat spot on the recovery tank (it is better to use too much than too little).
Place lid in place and line up hole with the 4 screws
Tighten all 4 screws and wipe off excess silicone.

If the vacuum side of the recovery tank becomes dirty you can simply remove the "lid" from that side and wipe with a rag and rinse with water.

Following these easy steps can save you unneeded downtime, reduced parts cost, fewer headaches, and happier customers.

If you have any questions regarding the maintenance of your lane machine call one of our lane machine experts. Alex Smith and David Rue are always happy to answer and questions and address your concerns.